While American roads didn’t get much safer by the numbers, new policies indicate a shift toward a more sustainable transportation future.

Sustainable transportation had its ups and downs this year, and Streetsblog has compiled a comprehensive list of both.
The bad news first: “2023 was a rocky year for sustainable transportation advocates across the country, starting with the announcement of the final road death toll for 2022, which was, once again, a record breaker.” Meanwhile, highway construction and expansion continues relatively unabated despite federal pledges to ‘Reconnect Communities,’ and transit ridership continued to lag in many cities, putting transit agencies in bigger financial holes.
However, positive developments also made 2023 a successful year. Among the highlights: Safe Streets for All grants that could have a significant impact on traffic safety and walkability, tighter rules around greenhouse gas emissions, and minimum parking requirements falling like dominoes in cities around the country. In general, advocates are sensing a shift in mindset, signaling that “Americans intuitively understand what's broken about American transportation.”
FULL STORY: The Best News of 2023 For Sustainable Transportation Advocates

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).

The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.

The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and harrowing close calls are a growing reality.

The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.

DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)